Breeding the twoline skiffia
Livebearer that breeds readily as a colony; fry are usually not eaten. Breeding is seasonal: give a cool winter rest below 20 °C and it breeds from about 17-18 °C up to 24 °C.
Step by step
A group of 6 or more.
Planted 80 L tank with hard, cool water and plenty of floating cover.
Cool temperatures and stable water.
5-20 large fry per brood.
Newborns are large; feed baby brine shrimp and fine flake.
- Warm stale water
- Bullying tankmates
- Soft acidic water
Male or female
Males are smaller and daintier with a much bigger dorsal fin and a notched anal fin (splitfin); courting males turn black-finned with yellow and black flanks. Females stay bluish-grey, show a gravid spot and sometimes a yellow belly.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for livebearers
- 28 days beforePregnancy
A dark 'gravid spot' grows behind the belly. Gestation is usually about 4 weeks.
- Day 0Birth
Fry are born ready to swim. Thick plants or a breeding box keep them safe from adults.
- Day 0First food
Feed crushed flake, baby brine shrimp or microworms 3–5 times a day.
- Day 28Sexing starts
Males start to show color and a pointed anal fin. Separate them if you want to control lines.
- Day 90Adults
Most livebearers are grown and can breed at about 3 months.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
A dark 'gravid spot' grows behind the belly. Gestation is usually about 4 weeks.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- The female gave birth.
- With no plants or breeding box, the adults ate most of the fry.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.